Raising Funds For War Against Aids

Night Of Singing, Dancing Brings Out Stars For Gala

March 08, 1992|By Jacquelyn Heard.

The ballroom itself seemed to sing and dance in sync with all the mirth and entertainment it contained.

In one corner, a stage the size of a small tennis court was draped liberally with glittering fabric. It was there that the Chicago Gay Men`s Choir and the Windy City Gay Chorus performed close harmonies about love and unshakable faith; there that members of Joseph Holmes Dance Theatre swung out and broke into a whirlwind of quick-paced steps; and there that jazz saxaphonist Kenny G lit into ``Songbird`` and ``Silhouette.`` Nine-hundred guests. Nine Hollywood stars. And yet this was ``Not Just Song & Dance.``

By evening`s end, when the lights in the ballroom brightened and guests moved into a main lobby of the Hyatt Regency Chicago, the black-tie ball that caused all that merrymaking had also tended to a serious matter. The $250-per- guest-fete raised nearly $400,000 to help wage a stronger war against AIDS.

``I am absolutely thrilled,`` said Amy Maggio, executive director of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the 7-year-old group of civic leaders and health professionals who marshal funds for AIDS education, prevention and care. The group, which has awarded more than $2 million in grants since 1988, threw the benefit ball Friday.

``This evening has been a tremendous success,`` she said referring to the guest list that doubled from last year, when 10 local corporations bought tables. This year 48 did.

Among the stars at this glittering event were actress Nicolette Sheridan and her husband, actor Harry Hamlin-``the beautiful blond`` and ``the incredible hunk,`` as guests almost invariably referred to them throughout the night.

``Good evening and welcome,`` the natty couple called out across the vast ballroom after being introduced as the emcees. ``Tonight, we bring to you some of the best talents of the East Coast, the West Coast . . . and the Gold Coast.``